Amish White Bread: A Simple Recipe for Perfectly Soft Bread
Amish cooking is known for its simplicity and deliciousness, and this Amish white bread recipe is no exception. This recipe produces a wonderfully soft, fluffy loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! Let's get started.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick baking project. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F): The temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: This is the leavening agent for your bread.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and controls yeast activity.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: You might need a little extra flour depending on the humidity.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to bake your own delicious Amish white bread:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This proves the yeast is alive and active. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, and you'll need a fresh batch.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the salt and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise (Proofing):
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled again.
6. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Use a thermometer to ensure it's fully baked.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade Amish white bread!
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale: For the most consistent results, measure your ingredients by weight rather than volume.
- Don't over-knead: Over-kneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a bread thermometer to ensure your bread is fully baked.
- Experiment with variations: Add herbs, seeds, or other ingredients to customize your bread.
This recipe is a great starting point for your baking journey. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us! Happy baking!
